Subaru introduced the new-generation WRX STI for 2015 featuring a new wide-body sedan design with a significantly stiffer chassis resulting in an expanded performance envelope. Offered in standard and Limited trim lines, the 2016 WRX STI is immediately recognized by its aggressive looking aerodynamic form, highlighted by the STI trademark large trunk wing. Drivers wanting a less conspicuous look can opt for a low-profile trunk spoiler that was added as a no-cost option for 2016.

Many know that the WRX STI won the World Rally Championship three times. More recently, Subaru expanded the WRX STI’s competition purview to include long distance road racing. While many brands tout performance-car development on Germany’s famed Nurburgring racetrack, a WRX STI won the SP 3T class in the track’s grueling 24-hour race in 2011, 2012 and again in 2015.

SUBARU STARLINK™ Multimedia Systems
The 2016 WRX STI joins other Subaru models in offering as standard the STARLINK 6.2” Multimedia system with a 6.2-in. single-touch gesture display, AM/FM stereo with HD Radio®, SiriusXM® All Access Radio, Radio Data Broadcast System, single-disc CD player, Bluetooth® hands-free phone connectivity and audio streaming, iPod® control, iTunes® Tagging, a USB port and an auxiliary input jack. Smartphone integration features Aha™ and Pandora®, along with new STARLINK Cloud Applications including Stitcher™, Calendar, Music Player, News and Weather joining iHeart® Radio for 2016. The screen also provides the display for the standard rear vision camera and VDC display showing traction control operation.

The STARLINK 7.0” Multimedia Navigation system, which is standard for the Limited trim and optional for the base trim, comes in a package with the Harman Kardon® amplifier and 9-speaker premium sound system. To all features of STARLINK 6.2” Multimedia, this system adds navigation and a high-resolution 7-inch LCD screen featuring multi-touch gesture controls, much like a smartphone or tablet. In addition, STARLINK 7.0” Multimedia includes SMS text messaging, iTunes® tagging capability and dual USB ports and also adds SiriusXM Travel Link® and SiriusXM Traffic® (subscriptions required). Maps are upgradeable via SD card, and three years of complimentary updates are included.

STI Design Exclusively in Sedan Form
The special hood, fenders, doors and quarters, bumpers, headlights and taillight clusters convey the WRX STI identity. Narrow headlights, with standard LED low-beams, evoke a raptor’s stare. The aluminum hood integrates a functional hood scoop supplies the intercooler with fresh air.
Other performance-oriented details include fog light surrounds with a carbon fiber-like pattern and front fender vents that feature a mesh screen. A rear diffuser and LED taillights leave a distinctive signature.

Stiff Chassis for Greater Handling Agility
The aluminum BOXER engine and simple, symmetrical drivetrain layout help to lower the WRX STI’s center of gravity, a trait that contributes to its famous corner-carving handling characteristics. The springs, dampers, crossmembers, subframe bushings, and front control-arm bushings and attachments are all stiffer than in the previous model.

The body structure makes extensive use of high-tensile steel and features special stiffening elements at key locations. The inverted-strut front suspension system exhibits high bending resistance for quicker and more consistent performance under hard cornering. Aluminum front lower L-arms reduce unsprung vehicle weight. The aluminum alloy lower control arms use pillow ball-type joint bushings and pillow ball-type joint mounts, and the rear suspension lateral links also use this type of bushing.

305-hp Turbo BOXER Engine
The 2.5-liter turbocharged/intercooled 4-cylinder BOXER engine, exclusive to the WRX STI, employs the Dual Active Valve Control System (DAVCS). The engine produces 305 horsepower (SAE) at 6,000 rpm and 290 lb-ft of peak torque at 4,000 rpm.
The engine is based on a specially reinforced semi-closed deck engine block with high-strength cast pistons. A semi-closed deck design provides the same cooling efficiency as an open-deck cylinder block but with the higher strength of a full closed deck. Special reinforcing ribs in the block provide additional strength, and the crankshaft is nitride-hardened. The turbocharger produces a maximum of 14.7 PSI of boost, and quad exhaust tailpipes emit a distinctively deep growl.

The WRX STI is equipped exclusively with a specially reinforced 6-speed manual transmission. Incline Start Assist can momentarily prevent the car from rolling backward when being driven away from a stop on an incline.

SI-DRIVE
The Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-DRIVE) powertrain management system allows the driver to tailor the car’s driving characteristics by choosing from among three driver-selectable modes – “Intelligent,” “Sport” and “Sport Sharp” – using a rotary dial on the center console. SI-DRIVE alters vehicle performance characteristics by regulating the engine control module and by fine-tuning the electronic throttle control system.
With Intelligent mode selected, SI-DRIVE provides a more relaxed throttle response curve, making it useful for commuting in traffic, for example. “Sport” mode provides quick throttle responses and powerful, linear acceleration, making it ideal for everyday sporty driving. In “Sport Sharp” mode, SI-DRIVE modifies the engine’s electronic throttle mapping to deliver super-quick throttle response and put down the power sooner.

The DCCD AWD system features three automatic modes, each applying a different degree of center differential locking to match different driving situations. “Auto” mode provides the best all-around performance for most drivers and circumstances, varying the front/rear torque distribution automatically via the limited-slip type center differential in response to vehicle acceleration, deceleration, steering angle, cornering force and wheel slippage. The “Auto -” mode makes less use of the center limited-slip differential (less locking factor) and holds the torque bias to the rear more frequently, which yields more handling-oriented steering characteristics.

For driving on slippery surfaces, such as gravel or snow, the “Auto +” setting tightens the LSD. In the DCCD AWD system’s manual mode, the driver can select one of six center differential locking levels (up to 50:50 maximum) to optimize AWD performance to suit the driving situation and surface conditions.

Active Torque Vectoring
Active Torque Vectoring, an enhancement of the Multi-Mode Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) stability and traction control system, can apply brake pressure to the inside front wheel to facilitate more neutral cornering. The VDC system offers yet more driver choices, with three settings: “Normal,” “Traction” and “Off.” The “Normal” setting provides the highest level of system engagement, utilizing traction control (TCS) and Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC). The “Traction” setting is more performance-oriented, employing less-restrictive VDC and disengaging the engine torque-reduction control. The “Off” setting disengages the VDC and the traction control functions. Active Torque Vectoring remains engaged for “Normal” and “Traction” modes.

The STI Design electroluminescent gauge panel integrates a 3.5-in. central LCD screen that displays various functions, including low-level warnings for oil and windshield washer fluid and the selected gear. A multi-information central display with 4.3-in. LCD screen provides a multitude of vehicle system functions, including a standard rear camera display, a boost gauge display, outside temperature, audio information, Bluetooth® and climate control settings. The display can also provide a vehicle self-check and maintenance reminder.

Subaru Safety
Subaru’s renowned safety package uses the brand’s proven Ring-shaped Reinforcement Frame body structure, which has been shown to excel in the small overlap test by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Passive safety features include front side pelvis/torso airbags, side curtain airbags that offer front and rear outboard seat coverage and a driver’s knee airbag.

Subaru of America, Inc. offers a full line of all-wheel drive sedans, crossovers and SUVs, along with the rear-wheel drive BRZ sports car.

About Subaru of America, Inc.
Subaru of America, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. of Japan. Headquartered at a zero-landfill office in Cherry Hill, N.J., the company markets and distributes Subaru vehicles, parts and accessories through a network of more than 600 retailers across the United States. All Subaru products are manufactured in zero-landfill production plants and Subaru of Indiana Automotive Inc. is the only U.S. automobile production plant to be designated a backyard wildlife habitat by the National Wildlife Federation. For additional information visit media.subaru.com.